Two Texas A&M Students Named Tillman Military Scholars

June 7, 2012 – Texas A&M University and the Pat Tillman Foundation officials have announced that two Aggies – Chris Cartellone and Eric Metcalf – have been selected as Tillman Military Scholars for the 2012-2013 academic year.

Cartellone is a Ph.D. student in anthropology from Greenville, N. C. and Metcalf is a master’s student in wildlife science from Kempner, Texas. In addition, awards for three continuing Tillman Military Scholars from the 2011-2012 class have been renewed. Those scholars are Angela Kiker, Marisela Spangler and Kathryn Hernandez.Texas A&M is one of 14 campuses serving as a Tillman Military Scholar University Partner for the 2012-2013 academic year. University Partners are selected based on their innovative servicemember-specific support services and proven culture of community for military families.

As a University Partner, each institution conducts outreach to its veteran and military spouse student population and actively participates in the Tillman Military Scholar selection process. Upon selection of Tillman Military Scholars on campus, each then supports the building of community among these students, strengthening their academic and personal experience.

“We pride ourselves at Texas A&M on our record of attracting veterans and currently active-duty military personnel to our university and serving them well while they are studying here. It is with great pride that we join the Tillman Military Scholars Program, which honors the memory of a fine young man who gave his life in service to his country,” said Texas A&M President R. Bowen Loftin. “Our ongoing commitment to the young men and women who serve our country with distinction in military service is a natural extension of our proud military heritage.”

In 2008, the Pat Tillman Foundation established the Tillman Military Scholars program to support educational opportunities for servicemembers and military families by bridging the financial gaps left by the post-9/11 G.I. Bill. Military families face numerous challenges during the transition from military to civilian life and have unique needs that often prevent successfully completing a degree. As a result, Tillman Military Scholars receive financial support to not only cover traditional study-related expenses such as tuition and books, but also other needs, including but not limited to: housing, transportation and childcare. In providing this support, the Pat Tillman Foundation aims to remove any and all obstacles that would otherwise prohibit academic success.

Over the past four years, the Pat Tillman Foundation has awarded more than $3.2 million in scholarship funds to 230 Tillman Military Scholars pursuing education at every level from freshmen undergraduates to Ph. D. candidates. Overall, Tillman Military Scholars represent 71 different institutions across 34 states.“We received 1,280 applicants this year and, with support from our selection committee, narrowed these applicants down to 59 outstanding candidates to join the fourth class of Tillman Military Scholars,” said Hunter I Riley, director of programs at the Pat Tillman Foundation. “These scholars represent leadership in the military, classroom and community, and we’re proud to invest in their education and support them in making a positive impact into the future.”About the Pat Tillman Foundation

Family and friends established the Pat Tillman Foundation following Pat’s death in 2004 while serving with the 75th Ranger Regiment in Afghanistan. Created to honor Pat’s legacy and pay tribute to his commitment to leadership and service, the Pat Tillman Foundation is a national leader in providing educational support and resources to veterans, active servicemembers and their spouses. Inspired by Pat’s attributes of leadership, passion for education and spirit of service, the Foundation annually awards educational scholarships through Tillman Military Scholars program. To date, the Foundation has provided more than $3.2 million in scholarships to 230 active servicemembers, veterans and dependents. For more information, visit: www.pattillmanfoundation.org

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